Gaming system with wireless charging system and method of determining wireless charging status thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is an electronic gaming system with a wireless charger for providing wireless charging of a user&#39;s wirelessly chargeable device(s). The electronic gaming system may include a wireless charging status determination system that may measure an aspect of power supplied to the wireless charger by the electronic gaming system and may determine a charging status of the wireless charger from such measurements, thereby allowing determination of charging status of the wireless charger (and, correspondingly, a determination of charge status for a wirelessly chargeable device being charged by wireless charger) by the wireless charging status determination system without requiring any data communication between itself and the wireless charger and/or the wirelessly chargeable device. This may allow the wireless charging status determination system to communicate charging status information with, for example, the electronic gaming system without exposing the electronic gaming system to potential malicious interference from the wirelessly chargeable device.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims benefit of priority to Australian PatentApplication No. 2018247282, filed Oct. 11, 2018, and entitled “Systemand method of determining wireless charging status,” which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to determining the charging status of awireless charger, thus allowing a determination of the charge status ofa wirelessly chargeable device being charged thereby, particularlywithout the need for data communication between a device or system thatmakes the determination of the charging status and a) the wirelesscharger or b) the wirelessly chargeable device.

BACKGROUND

Wireless charging involves wirelessly transmitting electrical power froma wireless charger to a wirelessly chargeable device. Wireless chargingprotocols include provisions for data transmission, separate from thepower transmission, between the wireless charger and the wirelesslychargeable device. This data transmission can be used for communicatinginformation to and/or from the charger and the device, includingcommunicating parameters that allow the wireless charger to adjust itscharging status.

When wireless chargers are integrated into more complex systems, theymay be configured to provide charging status information to one or moresubsystems of such a system, e.g., a host controller, that allows thesystem to obtain, via data communication with the wireless charger, dataregarding the wirelessly chargeable device's charge status. For clarity,“data communication” as the term is used herein, refers to thecommunication of data via a predetermined data transmission protocol,e.g., a structured signal format that conforms to a recognized datatransmission format, such as a binary data stream. In scenarios wherethe wireless charger is integrated into an assembly, a system, or anetwork, any communication between the wireless charger and thewirelessly chargeable device that results in a data communicationbetween the wireless charger and, for example, a controller of such anassembly, system, etc., can pose risks of unintended access to thesystem beyond the wireless charger. For example, in a gamingenvironment, regulations often dictate that any data connection betweena wagering machine and external devices is heavily restricted to avoidfraudulent or deceptive conduct. As another example, in an intelligenttransport environment, malicious actors may exploit vulnerabilities of avehicular system to take control of a vehicle. External communicationfrom the charger to the system in such scenarios is therefore oftenprevented to avoid compromising the security of the system that containsthe charger. However, a lack of such external communication removes theability of the system to determine the charging status of the wirelesscharger and the charge status of the wirelessly chargeable device fromthe charger based on the provisions in the wireless charging protocol.An improvement or alternative to existing charging status determinationis therefore desirable.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda method of determining a charging status of a wireless charger that ischarging a wirelessly chargeable device, the method including the stepsof:

-   -   a. obtaining a measure of electrical power supplied to the        wireless charger, the supplied power including transmitted power        to the wirelessly chargeable device and non-transmitted power to        the wireless charger;    -   b. comparing the measure with one or more thresholds;    -   c. based on the comparison, determining the charging status.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a system for determining a charging status of a wirelesscharger that is charging a wirelessly chargeable device, the systemincluding:

-   -   a. sensing circuitry for obtaining a measure of electrical power        supplied to the wireless charger, the supplied power including        transmitted power to the wirelessly chargeable device and        non-transmitted power to the wireless charger;    -   b. decision circuitry for: (i) comparing the measure with one or        more thresholds, and (ii) based on the comparison, determining        the charging status.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of functional components of a gamingsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming system in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure with the gaming systemimplemented using a portable computing device.

FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic of a wireless charging set-up.

FIG. 3B illustrates a system to accompany the set-up of FIG. 1A fordetermining the charging status of a wireless charger performingwireless charging operations.

FIGS. 4A and 4B each illustrate a portion of the charging process,including one or more of the supplied current, the coil current, thesupplied voltage and the coil voltage over time.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example block diagram of the system of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 5B illustrates another example block diagram of the system of FIG.3B.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of determining the charging status of awireless charger performing wireless charging operations.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of calibrating one or more thresholds fordetermining the charging status of a wireless charger performingwireless charging operations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein are a system and method of determining the status ofwireless charging. The described system and corresponding methodelectrically probe a wireless charger locally for the determination ofthe charging status of the wireless charger. The determination is basedon electrical measurements of the power supplied to the charger, henceno data communication from the wireless charging status determinationsystem to/from the wireless charger is necessary for the charging statusdetermination. Arrangements are configured to obtain a measure of theelectrical power supplied to the wireless charging module (hereinafter“supplied power” for simplicity). The supplied power provides electricalpower to the wireless charger for power transmission to the wirelesslychargeable device, as well as for operating the circuitry of thewireless charger. In one example, the measure of the supplied power isbased on a measure of supplied current. These arrangements are furtherconfigured to compare the measure of the supplied power with one or morethresholds, and based on that comparison, determine the charging status.The charging status may include one or more indications of connectivity(e.g. charging engaged or charging disengaged), charging progress (e.g.charging in progress, or charging complete) and battery level within awirelessly chargeable device being charged by the wireless charger (e.g.not fully charged, almost fully charged, or fully charged). Thedetermined charging status may be used to generate information relatingto, or derived from, the charging status that may be displayed onelectronic gaming machines, autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, orapparatuses that offer wireless charging facility but requiredisablement of data communication to/from the wireless charger to theremainder of the system.

In the course of developing the wireless charging status determinationsystems discussed herein, it was determined that, while the powerconsumed by the power-transmitting inductive coil at the wirelesscharger (hereinafter “coil power” for simplicity) is indicative of thepower received by the power-receiving inductive coil at the wirelesslychargeable device, the supplied power is at least but still indicativeof the coil power. In other words, the supplied power was determined tobe a good proxy of the received power. Based on this observation,various arrangements were devised in accord with the present disclosurefor determining charging status based on a measure of the supplied powerprovided to the wireless charger. The determination of charging statusof the wireless charger takes place without the need for “pairing” orother data communication to/from the wirelessly chargeable device or thewireless charger by the wireless charging status determination system.This lack of data communication reduces security risks and allows thewireless charging status determination system to be used as a trusteddevice that may be permitted to engage in data communication withdevices, e.g., gaming controllers, that may be required to be keptisolated from potential data communication with a wirelessly chargeabledevice and/or wireless charger. Further, reliance on a measure of thesupplied power to the wireless charger, rather than a measure of thecoil power which is internal to the wireless charger, allows the presentdisclosure to be applicable without regards to the internalconfiguration of the wireless charger.

It will be understood that the wireless charger itself may still engagein data communication with the wirelessly chargeable device. Forexample, it is common for wireless chargers to engage in short-rangewireless communications with wirelessly chargeable devices, e.g., todetect that such a device is in close proximity, to obtain informationon the battery status and charging needs of such a device, and to tailorthe amount of power delivered to the wirelessly chargeable device overtime. The wireless charging determination system discussed herein thatutilizes supplied power measurements to determine charging status doesso without reference to such data communications (or data communicationsfrom the charger of any type, for that matter). Instead, the wirelesscharging determination system determines the amount of power supplied tothe wireless charger and is, using various rules, able to makeinferences or determinations of what mode or charging status thewireless charger is in, which, in turn, provides insight as to thecharge status of the wirelessly chargeable device.

General Arrangements

The present disclosure describes arrangements of wireless charging inthe context of electronic gaming machines (EGMs), for example in thecontext of Class 3 EGMs. However, a skilled person in the art wouldappreciate that the present disclosure is also applicable, with minormodifications, to non-gaming contexts, such as arrangements of wirelesscharging in an assembly, a system or a network, such as a vehicularsystem.

FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may benetworked to various gaming related servers. The present disclosure canbe configured to work as a system 100 in a gaming environment includingone or more server computers 102 (e.g., slot servers of a casino) thatare in communication, via a communications network, with one or moregaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines,etc.). The gaming devices 104A-104X may alternatively be portable and/orremote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, atablet, a laptop, or a game console.

Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the servercomputers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct orindirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by acomputer on a remote server or over an online data network includingcommercial online service providers, Internet service providers, privatenetworks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, the present disclosure may, in one or moreembodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gamingdevice 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices104C-104X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected tonetworks implemented with one or more of the different server computers102 described herein.

The server computers 102 may include a central determination gamingsystem server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, aplayer tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112,and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104Xmay include features to enable operation of any or all servers for useby the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gamingestablishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may begenerated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and thentransmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals orremote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes anddisplay the results to the players.

Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may bealigned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operationon a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104Atypically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by aplayer that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an accesschannel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticketprinter 126. In some arrangements, the button area or button deck 120may take the form of a virtual button deck (VBD) controlled by a VBDcontroller. The VBD includes a glass top with touch-sensitive regions,such as capacitive or resistive touch sensitive regions. Eachtouch-sensitive region may be configured to be monitored by the VBDcontroller to receive touches corresponding traditional button presses.The wireless charger module 239 in accordance with the presentdisclosure may be located integrally with the VBD. For example, thewireless charger module may be located underneath the glass top. Thewireless charger module includes an inductive coil near or adjacent theunderside of the glass top for power transmission to a nearby wirelesslychargeable device, such as that placed on top of the glass top.

In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming devicemanufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising anumber (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbolsdisplayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped toshow a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118 which may beused to determine an outcome to the game.

In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gamingdisplay area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD,plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, acathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled videomonitor.

In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a“ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued creditticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashlessticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a creditticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems arewell known in the art and are used to generate and track uniquebar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players toavoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticketreader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on thegaming device 104A. In some embodiments a ticket reader can be usedwhich is only capable of reading tickets. In some embodiments, adifferent form of token can be used to store a cash value, such as amagnetic stripe card.

In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiverfor wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad 146,and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering,and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A.In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device 104A cancommunicate with the player tracking server system 110 to send andreceive player tracking information.

Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonusplay is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome orset of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 isoperative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating theoutcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used toplay a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of thebase or primary game.

A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may beactivated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) toindicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced amalfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also oftenused to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a handpayout of an award may be needed.

There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be aback-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate generalgame information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g.,$0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game relatedgraphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may beimplemented as an additional video display.

Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used toinitiate game play.

Many or all the above described components can be controlled bycircuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodimentsof the present disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes,information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player trackingsystems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single gamedisplay that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a videodisplay, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops andhave displays that face upwards.

An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is theArc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similarfeatures of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in thegaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gamingdevice 104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game playfunctions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140 may be usedas a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features orattraction activities while a game is not in play, or any otherinformation or media desired by the game designer or operator. In someembodiments, topper screen 140 may also or alternatively be used todisplay progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play ofgaming device 104B.

Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a maindoor 118 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gamingdevice 104B. The main or service door 118 is typically used by servicepersonnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills andtickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The door 118 may also beaccessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, andfor general maintenance operations.

Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104Cincludes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation.Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscapedisplay 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, oralternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is aflat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary gameplay while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play,to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not inplay or any other information or media desired by the game designer oroperator.

Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, videoslot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo,and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depictedgaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gamingdevice may also be operable to provide many different games. Games maybe differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game(e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill),denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive ornon-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class2 or Class 3, etc.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electroniccomponents of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems.All or parts of the example gaming device 200 shown could be used toimplement any one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted inFIG. 1. The games available for play on the gaming device 200 arecontrolled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors204 and a game that may be stored as game software or a program 206 in amemory 208 coupled to the processor 204. The memory 208 may include oneor more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gamingdevice 200. Within the mass storage devices and/or memory 208, one ormore databases 210 may be provided for use by the program 206. A randomnumber generator (RNG) 212 that can be implemented in hardware and/orsoftware is typically used to generate random numbers that are used inthe operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are randomand meet regulations for a game of chance. In some embodiments, therandom number generator 212 is a pseudo-random number generator.

Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may begenerated on a remote gaming device such as a central determinationgaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 but see FIG. 1). The gameinstance is communicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 andthen displayed on gaming device 200. Gaming device 200 may execute gamesoftware, such as but not limited to video streaming software thatallows the game to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game isstored on gaming device 200, it may be loaded from a memory 208 (e.g.,from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gamingsystem server 106 to memory 208. The memory 208 may include RAM, ROM oranother form of storage media that stores instructions for execution bythe processor 204.

The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another formof a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sitsabove main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 mayalso house a number of other components which may be used to addfeatures to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other mediaor mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, aticket reader 224 which reads bar-coded tickets or other media ormechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and aplayer tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 mayinclude a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display),a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information toand from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling playertracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITOsystem server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a billvalidator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a wirelesscharger module 239, a primary game display 240, and a secondary gamedisplay 242, each coupled to and operable under the control of gamecontroller 202. The wireless charger module 239 may be indirectly incommunication with the game controller 202, e.g., via the wirelesscharging status determination system discussed herein. For example,where the buttons 236 are in the form of a VBD, the wireless chargermodule 239 may be in indirect communication with the game controller 202via the VBD controller and the wireless charging status determinationsystem discussed herein. Either or both of the primary game display 240and the secondary game display 242 may be controlled by the gamecontroller 202 to display the wireless charging status based oninformation received from the wireless charger module 239 by the gamecontroller 202 via the wireless charging status determination systemdiscussed herein. Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 toplayer tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server 110 maybe, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat®Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to trackplay (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or otherquantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that anoperator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use theplayer tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information,activate free play, and/or request various information. Player trackingor loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help buildbrand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typicallycorrespond to the player's Level of patronage (e.g., to the player'splaying frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino).Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals,lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player trackinginformation may be combined with other information that is now readilyobtainable by a casino management system.

Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highlyregulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices104A-104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typicallydispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfysecurity and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardwareand software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X,200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers.Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 isnot simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirementsfor gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements,and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentryenabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantialengineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardwarecomponents and software.

When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insertcash or a ticket voucher (or another form of readable token) through anappropriate input device such as a coin acceptor (not shown) or billvalidator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. Thecredit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of thegame and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winninginstances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wagerand increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to thebalance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyaltyclub card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player viewsthe game outcome on the game displays 240, 242. Other game and prizeinformation may also be displayed.

For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affectplay of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amountwagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of linesplayed. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select optionsduring course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonusround or select various items during a feature game). The player maymake these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primarygame display 240 which may be a touch-screen, or using some other inputdevice which enables a player to input information into the gamingdevice 200. For example, controls may be provided on a touch-screen thatallow a player to provide one or more wagering inputs for designatingwager amounts to be placed on a wagering game. Similarly, controls maybe provided on a touch-screen that allow a player to provide one or morecredit inputs that, for example, may facilitate establishing a creditbalance on the EGM for the purposes of making wagers during wageringgame play.

During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual andauditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects addto the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoythe playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that areprojected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights,strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gamingdevice 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (FIG. 1).

When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance using anoutput device that can output at least one of physical currency and atoken representing currency (typically by pressing a cash out button toreceive a ticket from the ticket printer 222). The ticket may be“cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish acredit balance for play.

Further Details of the Disclosed Arrangements

FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic of a known wireless charging set-up300A. The set-up 300A includes a power supply 302, a wireless chargingmodule 304 (hereinafter “wireless charger 304” for simplicity), and awirelessly chargeable device 308. The wireless charger 304 drawselectrical power supplied by the power supply 302 and includes aninductive coil 306 for wireless power transmission. Correspondingly thewirelessly chargeable device 308, usually a portable device of a player,includes an inductive coil 310 for wireless power reception. In onearrangement, the power supply 302 provides DC power, typically providingpower to an entire EGM, but for simplicity being shown here to supplypower to the wireless charger 304 only. The DC power may be transformedfrom an AC mains power supply. As a skilled person would appreciate, thewireless charger 304 may transform the DC power into AC power at adesired resonant frequency to power the transmitting inductive coil 306.The supplied power is used by the transmitting inductive coil 306 aswell as other components of the wireless charger 304. These othercomponents are collectively represented by a serial resistive and/orreactive element 305A and a parallel resistive and/or reactive element305B. As a skilled person would appreciate, wireless power transfer isfacilitated by inductive coupling 312 formed between the inductive coils306 and 310.

FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic of a wireless charging set-up 300B inaccordance with the present disclosure. The set-up 300B adds a probingsystem 500 to the set-up 300A of FIG. 3A for determining the chargingstatus of a wireless charger performing wireless charging. In theillustrated arrangement, the probing system 500 is a four-port device,with two ports electrically coupled with the power supply 302 and theother two ports electrically coupled with the wireless charger 304. Theprobing system 500, which may also be referred to herein as the wirelesscharging status determination system, together with the wireless charger304 may be implemented as the wireless charging module 239, which asillustrated in FIG. 2 is in communication with the game controller 202(directly, or indirectly via the VBD controller). Possible chargingstatuses and their determination are described further below. Oncedetermined, the charging status can be communicated from the probingsystem 500 to the game controller 202, which in turn controls thedisplay system, such as the primary game display 240 and/or thesecondary game display 242, to display the determined charging status.This may be done without data communication between the probing system500/wireless charging status determination system and a) the wirelesscharger 304 or b) the wirelessly chargeable device 308.

As mentioned, during development of the wireless charging determinationssystems discussed herein, it was determined that the supplied power,while not identical to the transmitting-coil power, was nonethelessindicative of the transmitting-coil power and was thus a good proxy ofthe power received by the wirelessly chargeable device, as furtherexemplified and described in relation to FIG. 4A. More generally, FIG. 6illustrates a method 600 of determining the charging status of awireless charger performing wireless charging. The method 600 includesthe step 602 of obtaining a measure of electrical power supplied to thewireless charger, the supplied power including transmitted power andnon-transmitted power, the step 604 of comparing the measure with one ormore thresholds, and the step 606 of determining the charging statusbased on the comparison.

In certain embodiments, determination of wireless charging status isbased on a measure of power supplied to the wireless charger. Thedetermination of the wireless charging status is based on a comparisonof the measure of supplied power with one or more thresholds. In a firstarrangement, a measure of the supplied power P_(s) is provided by theproduct of a measure of supplied current I_(s) and a measure of suppliedvoltage V_(s) to the wireless charger. In this arrangement, thethreshold(s) for comparison is in units of power. In a secondarrangement, by assuming or recognizing that the supplied voltage V_(s)is approximately constant, a measure of the supplied power P_(s) isapproximately provided by a measure of the supplied current I_(s). Wherethe supplied voltage V_(s) is taken to be constant, the supplied powerP_(s) is directly proportional to the supplied current I_(s). In thisarrangement, the threshold(s) for comparison may be in units of currentor, if the supplied current is converted to corresponding suppliedpower, in units of power.

FIG. 4A illustrates a portion 400 of the wireless charging process,represented by the supplied current I_(s) 402, the transmitting-coilcurrent I_(c) 404, the supplied voltage V_(s) 406 and thetransmitting-coil voltage V_(c) 408 over time. At the start 410 of thecharging process, the wirelessly chargeable device 308 is brought inproximity to the wireless charger 304. The proximity causes inductivecoupling between the wireless charger 304 and the wirelessly chargeabledevice 308, which in turn causes abrupt changes 412 to I_(s), I_(c),V_(s) and V_(c). The supplied current I_(s) 402 and the coil currentI_(c) 404 both rise relatively rapidly from zero or near-zero to anupper steady-state current I_(USS) 430 at about 400 mA. The suppliedvoltage 406 and the coil voltage 408 both drop from a higher level ataround 15 V and around 16 V, respectively, to a lower level at around 13V and 14 V, respectively. The currents 402 and 404 (and similarlyvoltages 406 and 408) remain at their respective upper steady-state fora period of time. The leveling 414 indicates that charging of anon-fully charged device 308 is in progress. The currents 402, 404 andvoltages 406, 408 then start to gradually drop 416 towards (but do notreach) their respective original levels. The start of the gradual drops416 indicates a fully or almost fully charged device 308. During thegradual drop 416, the device 308 may be being trickle-charged, beforethe currents 402, 404 and voltages 406, 408 each reach another period ofsteady state 418, for example with the supplied current 402 hovering ata lower steady-state current I_(LSS) 426. The lower steady state 418indicates that the wireless charging is in standby mode, or is providingminimal power transmission. The wirelessly chargeable device 308 is thenremoved from the proximity of the wireless charger 304, causinginductive decoupling which in turn causes another sudden change 420 ineach of the coil and supplied currents and voltages back to theiroriginal levels.

Most evidently at the start and end of the partial charging progress(and less evidently during the charging in progress), a measure of thesupplied current 402 exhibits multiple peaks or spikes (such as 422 and424). At least some of the peaks or spikes are a result of power beingused by the wireless charger 304 for “pinging” or otherwise searchingfor any nearby wirelessly chargeable devices. Current levels associatedwith these pinging peaks or spikes reach the pinging current I_(p) 428momentarily.

It is noted that the supplied current 402 is almost at all times abovethe coil current 404, at a small and almost constant gap of about 50 mA.Together with the nearly constant supplied and transmitting-coilvoltages 406 and 408, the close agreement between the supplied current402 and the coil current 404 over time means that a measure of thesupplied current 402 is indicative of the transmitting-coil power, hencea good proxy of the receiving-coil power. The thresholds for comparisonin step 604 to facilitate charging status determination in step 606 cantherefore be calibrated by inspecting the supply current I_(s) over atleast a portion of a reference wireless charging process. The portion ofthe reference wireless charging process may include (i) a couplingand/or decoupling stage(s) for inductively coupling and/or decouplingbetween the wireless charger with a reference or calibration device thatis wirelessly chargeable, and (ii) a charging stage for a wirelesslychargeable the reference or calibration device from a less than fully(or almost fully) charged state to a fully (or almost fully) chargedstate. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a method 700 ofcalibration may include (a) the step 702 of wirelessly charging areference or calibration wirelessly chargeable device, (b) the step 704of obtaining a measure of supplied power during the wireless charging,and (c) the step 706 of determining, based on the measure of thesupplied power during the wireless charging, the one or more thresholdsfor comparison to facilitate charging status determination. Thecalibration may be achieved by the supply current and/or voltagemeasurements in accordance with FIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, in onearrangement, the pinging current level 428 is determined as the solecomparison threshold, below which the charging status is calibrated tobe “Disengaged” and above which the charging status is calibrated to be“Engaged”. In another arrangement, the pinging current level 428 isdetermined as a first threshold below which the charging status iscalibrated to be “Disengaged”, and the lower steady-state current level426 is determined as a second threshold above which the charging statusis calibrated to be “Engaged”. Since the transmitted power is specifiedand hence regulated by the relevant wireless charging protocol (e.g. Qi™administered by the Wireless Power Consortium), and since wirelesscharger manufacturers produce each wireless charger model withinmanufacturing tolerances, calibration is only required for each wirelesscharger model. Calibration results are stored and expected to beapplicable to all wireless chargers of the same model, without the needto further calibrate wireless chargers of an already calibrated model.

Once the one or more thresholds are calibrated, the charging status maybe determined in accordance with the method of FIG. 6. In somearrangements, where the supplied current 402 is measured to be above (orat or above) the lower steady-state current L_(LSS) 426, the chargingstatus is determined to be “Engaged”, and where the supplied current 402is measured to be below (or at or below) the pinging current level I_(p)428, the charging status is determined to be “Disengaged”. The chargingstatus may be determined on a hysteresis basis, where if I_(s) isbetween I_(p) and I_(LSS), the determined status is unchanged from aprevious determined status. For example, if the supplied current 402 isinitially measured to be above the lower steady-state current I_(LSS)426 such that the charging status is determined to be “Engaged”, upon asubsequent measurement where the supplied current 402 is measured todrop below the lower steady-state current I_(LSS) 426 but still abovethe pinging current level I_(p) 428, then the charging status isdetermined to remain as “Engaged”. In contrast, if the supplied current402 is initially measured to be below the pinging current level I_(p)428 such that the charging status is determined to be “Disengaged”, upona subsequent measurement where the supplied current 402 is measured torise above the pinging current level I_(p) 428 but still below the lowersteady-state current I_(LSS) 426, then the charging status is determinedto remain as “Disengaged”. In some arrangements, where the suppliedcurrent 402 is measured to be above (or at or above) the current levelI_(max) 430, which is above steady-state current level 426, the chargingstatus is additionally determined to be “Charging in progress” (whichmay also be viewed as a charge status for the wirelessly chargeabledevice of “Not fully charged”). Alternatively, where the suppliedcurrent 402 is measured to be below (or at or below) the current levelI_(max) 430, but above the steady-state current level 426, the chargingstatus is additionally determined to be “Charging complete” (which mayalso be viewed as a charge status for the wirelessly chargeable deviceof “Fully charged”). The following table (Table 1) summarizes an exampleof the one or more comparison thresholds and the determination made onthe charging status. A skilled person would appreciate that otherexample arrangements may include a subset of the comparison thresholdsand corresponding comparisons summarized in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Supplied current I_(S) compared with one of more thresholdsDetermined wireless charging status I_(S) < I_(p) “Disengaged” I_(S) ≥I_(LSS) (I_(S) ≥ I_(USS)) “Engaged” “Charging In progress” (or, from awireless charge status of a wirelessly chargeable device, “Not fullycharged”) (I_(S) < I_(USS)) “Charging complete” (or, from a wirelesscharge status of a wirelessly chargeable device, “Fully charged”) I_(p)≥ I_(S) > I_(LSS) (Unchanged from previously determined status)

In other arrangements, fewer thresholds may be used for comparison. Forexample, the supplied current I_(S) is compared with I_(p) and I_(LSS)to determine between a “Disengaged” charging status and an “Engaged”charging status on the hysteresis basis, without comparison with I_(USS)for determining the charging completion status. In another example, thesupplied current I_(S) is compared with a single threshold I_(TH) todetermine between a “Disengaged” charging status (e.g. if I_(S)<I_(TH))and a “Engaged” charging status (e.g. if I_(S)≥I_(TH)). I_(TH) may becalibrated to be between I_(p) and I_(LSS), such as halfway orapproximately halfway between I_(p) and I_(LSS). In yet another example,the supplied current I_(S) is compared with a single threshold I_(LSS)to determine whether the charging status is “Engaged” (e.g. ifI_(S)≥I_(LSS)) or not (e.g. if I_(S)<I_(LSS)). Once the one or morethresholds are calibrated, decision circuitry may be programmed orotherwise configured to compare the measure of the supplied power withone or more of the thresholds, and to determine the charging status. Thedecision circuitry may be included in the VBD controller (FIG. 5A) or ina separate processor 506 (e.g. a microcontroller) in the probing system500 (FIG. 5B). A skilled person would appreciate that the decisioncircuitry may be implemented in a number of programmable or configurabledevices or components, such as an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In particular,it will be understood that some EGMs (or other devices) that featurewireless charging status determination systems may utilize one or morecontrollers that, collectively, may provide the various functionalitiesdiscussed herein. For example, some EGMs may have a single controllerthat may provide both charging status determination functionality aswell as wagering game presentation functionality (and other relatedfunctionalities). In another example, an EGM may include twocontrollers, one that is dedicated to charging status determination, andone that is dedicated to providing for presentation (and play) of awagering game; in this example, the two controllers may becommunicatively connected such that charging status determinations fromthe first controller may be communicated to the second controller. Inyet other implementations, the functionality for wagering gamepresentation and/or charging status determination may be distributedbetween multiple controllers, e.g., the presentation of a wagering gamemay be provided by multiple controllers acting together in a coordinatedfashion.

While FIG. 4A illustrates a shorter portion 400 of the wireless chargingprocess, where the wirelessly chargeable device 308 is charged duringits almost fully charged status (e.g. at 90%+ charged), FIG. 4Billustrates a longer portion 400′ of a similar wireless chargingprocess, where the wirelessly chargeable device 308 is charged from notso fully charged (e.g. at 25% charged) to fully charged or almost fullycharged (e.g. at 90%+ charged). Like references in FIGS. 4A and 4B arelabelled with like reference numerals (e.g. followed by a “′” or aletter). Further, FIG. 4B illustrates the supplied current 402′ and coilcurrent 404′ over time, without illustrating the corresponding voltages.As with FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B illustrates that the supplied current I_(s)402′ is a good proxy of the coil current I_(c) 404′.

At the start 410′ of the charging process 400′, the wirelesslychargeable device 308 is brought in proximity to the wireless charger304. The proximity causes inductive coupling between the wirelesscharger 304 and the wirelessly chargeable device 308, which in turncauses abrupt changes 412′ to supplied current I_(s) 402′ and coilcurrent I_(c) 404′. The supplied current I_(s) 402′ and the coil currentI_(c) 404′ both rise rapidly from, or from below, pinging levels totheir respective upper steady-state currents at about I_(s)=500 mA andI_(c)=400 mA, respectively. During the charging process 400′, thesupplied current I_(s) 402′ and the coil current I_(c) 404′ remain atmultiple upper steady-state current levels (e.g. 402A, 402B, 402C, 402Dand 402E). For example, in a first period of the charging process 400′,associated with charging from 25% to 50%, the supplied current 402′remains at about 500 mA to 510 mA (402A, 402B). In a second period,associated with charging from 50% to 75%, the supplied current 402′ israised to and remains at about 550 mA (402C). In a third period,associated with charging from 75% to 90%, the supplied current 402′ isdropped to and remains at about 490 mA to 500 mA (402D and 402E). Themultiple upper steady-state current levels 402A, 402B, 402C, 402D and402E may be calibrated as additional thresholds to divide the “Engaged”status further into further sub-statuses, such as “0-25% charged”,“25-50% charged”, “50-75% charged” and “75-100% charged”. In somearrangements, where the same or similar steady-state currents arecalibrated as thresholds associated with different sub-statuses, ameasure of the voltage may be additionally made to disambiguate thesethresholds.

The leveling 402A, 402B, 402C, 402D and 402E indicates that charging ofa non-fully charged device 308 is in progress. The currents 402′ and404′ then start to gradually drop 416′ towards (but do not reach) theirrespective original levels. The start of the gradual drops 416′indicates a fully or almost fully charged device 308. During the gradualdrops 416′, the device 308 may be being trickle-charged, before thecurrents 402′ and 404′ each reach a period of steady state 418′, forexample with the supplied current 402′ hovering at a lower steady-statecurrent I_(LSS) 426′. The lower steady state 418′ indicates that thewireless charging is in standby mode, or is providing minimal powertransmission. The wirelessly chargeable device 308 is then removed fromthe proximity of the wireless charger 304, causing inductive decouplingwhich in turn causes another sudden change 420′ in each of the coil andsupplied currents back to their original levels.

The wireless charging status determination system or probing system 500is configured to determine the charging status based on a measure ofpower supplied to the wireless charger 304. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate asimplified block diagram of two respective example arrangements of thewireless charging status determination system or probing system 500 ofFIG. 3B. In FIG. 5A the wireless charging status determination system orprobing system 500A is a part of the VBD controller, which is incommunication with the game controller 202, whereas in FIG. 5B thewireless charging status determination system or probing system 500 isseparate from the VBD controller. The wireless charging statusdetermination system or probing system 500A includes sensing circuitry502 (in this case, an assembly of programmable op-amps) for obtaining ameasure of supplied power. In this example, the measure of suppliedpower P_(s) is based on a measure of the supplied current I_(S) via asense resistor R_(SENSE), where P_(s)=I_(s) ²×R_(SENSE). The obtainedmeasurements are provided to decision circuitry 504 (e.g. amicrocontroller) for determining charging status in accordance withcomparison with one or more thresholds, such as that summarized in Table1; such charging status may then be communicated by the wirelesscharging status determination system to other devices, e.g., a gamingcontroller or other host device, via a data communications connectionbetween the wireless charging status determination system and that hostdevice. The terminals of the sensing circuitry 502 are as follows:

-   -   VIN and GND are the terminals connected to the power supply 302,        and may be referred to herein as a power input port.    -   VOUT and GND are the terminals connected to the wireless charger        304, and may be referred to herein as a power supply port.    -   SENSE+ and SENSE− are the positive and negative terminals of        effectively an ammeter. In one circuit implementation, they are        the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the instrumentation        amplifier that is used to measure the voltage across a sense        resistor (R_(SENSE)) of known value (e.g. 0.02 ohms). Once the        voltage across the resistor is measured, the current through the        resistor and hence drawn by the wireless charging module 304 is        measured.    -   ADR0 and ADR1 are the input terminals for setting the slave        inter-integrated circuit (I2C) address of the op-amp so that the        VBD Controller board would be able to communicate with it.    -   SDA is an input/output terminal for serial data. It is the I2C        data line for master and slave device to send and receive the        serial data.    -   SCL is an input terminal for the serial clock signal used to        synchronize data transfer over the I2C bus.    -   SHDN is the output terminal for switching ON and OFF the power        to the wireless charger.

It will be appreciated that the example discussed above is but oneexample of a suitable wireless charging status determination system, andthat other implementations may use different circuits or configurationsof components to provide equivalent measurements; such otherimplementations are also considered to be within the scope of thisdisclosure.

It will be understood that EGMs or devices that incorporate wirelesschargers and wireless charging status determination systems as discussedherein may be specially configured to utilize the charging statusdeterminations provided by the wireless charging status determinationsystem to provide enhanced functionality—beyond that normally providedby wireless charging systems.

For example, in some implementations, an EGM may be configured to obtaincharging status from the wireless charging status determination system,as discussed herein, and present one or more notifications to a userregarding that charging status. For example, if the charging statusindicates that the wireless charger is currently charging a wirelesslychargeable device, then the EGM may cause a message to be presented on adisplay of the EGM that states “Charging your device” or “Charging yourphone.” Similarly, if the charging status indicates that the wirelesscharger is no longer charging a wirelessly chargeable device (or istrickle charging it) but the wirelessly chargeable device is stillinterfaced with the charger, then the EGM may cause a message to bepresented on a display of the EGM that states “Charging complete!,”“Finished charging your device!,” or “All topped off!,” or the like. Ifthe charging status indicates that no wirelessly chargeable device iscurrently proximate to the wireless charger, then the EGM may cause amessage such as “Need a charge? Place your phone on the wirelesscharging zone to get some juice!,” “Place phone on wireless chargingzone to charge device,” etc.

In some EGMs, charging status information from the wireless chargingstatus determination system may be used to, for example, providecontextual assistance to users of such EGMs. For example, an EGM may beconfigured to check the charging status in response to receiving anindication that a player is likely to leave the EGM, and may, if thecharging status indicates that a wirelessly chargeable device ispresent, generate one or more notifications that may be presented to theplayer (through on-screen display, through auditory feedback, or both).

For example, if a player selects an option on an EGM to cash out theircredits, which is typically done when a player wishes to stop playing onthat EGM, the EGM may check the charging status to determine if awirelessly chargeable device is proximate to the charger (regardless ofwhether or not it is actually being charged). If the charging statusindicates that a wirelessly chargeable device is proximate to thecharger, then the EGM may cause a notification to be presented such as“Don't forget your phone!,” “Check wireless charger for device!,” or thelike. In some implementations, such a notification may be presented tothe player prior to the EGM actually performing the requested cash-outoperation. In some further implementations, the EGM may even delayperformance of the cash-out operation until the player has confirmedthat they have retrieved their device. Such confirmation may be providedeither implicitly (e.g., by the EGM detecting that the charging statusof the wireless charger has changed to a state indicating that thewirelessly chargeable device is no longer in proximity to the wirelesscharger, which may indicate that the player has picked it up) orexplicitly (e.g., by presenting an on-screen dialog or message askingthe player if they have retrieved their device (e.g., “Did you rememberto get your wirelessly charging device?”); the player would be requiredto select a button associated with such a message (and indicating thatthey have retrieved their device, e.g., a button that states “Yes, I'vegot it!”) to cause the message to be dismissed and the cash-outoperation to continue). This may reduce the chance that the playerforgets their phone when they leave the EGM (this may be particularlylikely in a casino environment, where the lighting may be dim; wirelesscharging stations on EGMs may also often have a black finish that maymake it difficult to see the black rectangle of a phone (for phones thatare of that appearance)). In some implementations, such EGMs may haveadditional indication systems that may be additionally or alternativelyactivated in such circumstances to draw the player's attention to thedevice that is proximate to the wireless charger. For example, there maybe lights arranged around the wireless charging station that may beactivated, e.g., flashed, pulsed, or lit, to draw the player's attentionto the wireless charging station.

In some EGMs, charging status from the wireless charging statusdetermination system may be used by the EGM to determine if a playershould be provided with an opportunity to enable the wireless chargerthrough input of credits, funds, player tracking account information, orother item. For example, an EGM may be configured to provide wirelesscharging functionality to wirelessly chargeable devices only undercertain circumstances, such as when a player is actively playing awagering game on the EGM, when a player is logged into the EGM using aplayer tracking account, when a player has transferred some amount ofcredits or currency to the EGM, when the player has logged in with aplayer tracking account associated with a particular threshold status,etc. Such selective enablement may allow the EGM to provide wirelesscharging functionality in one or more ways.

For example, in one scenario, if the wireless charging statusdetermination system indicates that a wirelessly chargeable device isproximate to the charger, the EGM may cause the wireless charger to notcharge the wirelessly chargeable device or to operate in a manner thatdrastically reduces the charging rate of the wirelessly chargeabledevice, e.g., by reducing the power supplied to the wireless charger orby cycling the power supplied to the wireless charger between on and offstates, unless a particular condition or conditions are met. Forexample, in some implementations the EGM may cause a notification to bepresented, e.g., on a display of the EGM, that indicates that awirelessly chargeable device has been detected proximate to the wirelesscharger and that wireless charging is available for this wirelesslychargeable device under one or more conditions. Such conditions mayinclude, for example, a) providing a specified amount of credit orcurrency to the EGM, b) engaging in wagering game play on the EGM (orestablishing a credit balance for engaging in such wagering game play byproviding one or more credit inputs), c) signing in to the EGM with aplayer tracking account, d) signing in to the EGM with a player trackingaccount of a particular reward or benefit level (which includes accessto such wireless chargers), and so forth. In some implementations, sucha notification may be presented in tandem with one or moreuser-selectable controls that allow the user to access, for example, aninterface for providing the specified amount of credit or currency, login with a player tracking account, or select a wagering game for play.Once the indicated requirements for providing wireless charging havebeen met, the EGM controller may cause the power supplied to thewireless charger to be restored to an operable level, at which point thewireless charger will power up and start charging the wirelesslychargeable device. In some implementations in which wagering game playis required to enable wireless charging functionality (or provideenhanced wireless charging system performance), such chargingfunctionality may be provided for as long as the player is playing thewagering game.

Such implementations may help avoid or mitigate scenarios where a personsits at an EGM to use its wireless charging functionality but does nototherwise engage in revenue-generating behavior with the EGM.

In addition to the claimed implementations, the following additionalimplementations are also at least considered within the scope of thisdisclosure.

Implementation 1: A method of determining a charging status of charginga wirelessly chargeable device by a wireless charger, the methodincluding the steps of: a) obtaining a measure of electrical powersupplied to the wireless charger, the supplied power includingtransmitted power to the wirelessly chargeable device andnon-transmitted power to the wireless charger; b) comparing the measurewith one or more thresholds; and c) based on the comparison, determiningthe charging status.

Implementation 2: The method of implementation 1, wherein the measure ofthe electrical power supplied to the wireless charger is provided by ameasure of electrical current supplied to the wireless charger.

Implementation 3: The method of implementation 1, wherein the measure ofthe electrical power supplied to the wireless charger is provided by theproduct of a measure of electrical current and a measure of electricalvoltage supplied to the wireless charger.

Implementation 4: The method of implementation 1, wherein the one ormore thresholds includes one or more of: an upper steady-state level; alower steady-state level; and a pinging level.

Implementation 5: The method of implementation 4, wherein the uppersteady-state level is representative of power supplied to the wirelesscharger while engaging a non-fully charged wirelessly chargeable device.

Implementation 6: The method of implementation 4 or 5, wherein the lowersteady-state level is representative of power supplied to the wirelesscharger while engaging a fully charged or almost fully chargedwirelessly chargeable device.

Implementation 7: The method of either of implementations 4 or 5,wherein the pinging level is representative of power supplied to thewireless charger while searching for a nearby wirelessly chargeabledevice.

Implementation 8: The method of any one of implementations 4 to 7,wherein the one or more thresholds are calibrated by measurements madeduring at least a portion of the wireless charging process.

Implementation 9: The method of any one of the precedingimplementations, wherein the transmitted power includes power wirelesslytransferred from the wireless charger to a wirelessly chargeable device.

Implementation 10: The method of implementation 9, wherein thewirelessly transmitted power includes power transmitted by one or moreinductive coils of the wireless charger.

Implementation 11: The method of any one of the precedingimplementations, wherein the non-transmitted power includes power foroperating circuitry of the wireless charger.

Implementation 12: The method of any one of the precedingimplementations, wherein the determination is not based on any datacommunication between the wireless charger and the wirelessly chargeabledevice.

Implementation 13: The method of any one of the precedingimplementations, further including the step of displaying the determinedwireless charging status.

Implementation 14: A system for determining a charging status ofcharging a wirelessly chargeable device by a wireless charger, thesystem including: a) sensing circuitry for obtaining a measure ofelectrical power supplied to the wireless charger, the supplied powerincluding transmitted power to the wirelessly chargeable device andnon-transmitted power to the wireless charger; and b) decision circuitryfor: (i) comparing the measure with one or more thresholds, and (ii)based on the comparison, determining the charging status.

In the claims of this application and in the description of theinvention, except where the context requires otherwise due to expresslanguage or necessary implication, the words “comprise” or variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e.to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments of theinvention. Modifications and variations as would be apparent to askilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gaming system comprising: one or more displays;at least one input device; a wireless charger configured to wirelesslycharge a wirelessly chargeable device positioned in proximity to thewireless charger; a power supply configured to provide power to thewireless charger; a wireless charging status determination systemincluding sensing circuitry configured to obtain measurements indicativeof an amount of electrical power supplied by the power supply to thewireless charger, the amount of electrical power including (i)electrical power consumed by the wireless charger and, when thewirelessly chargeable device is positioned in proximity to the wirelesscharger, (ii) electrical power transmitted to the wirelessly chargeabledevice by the wireless charger; and one or more controllers, the one ormore controllers configured to: cause a wagering game to be presented onthe one or more displays and cause one or more wagers to be placed on anoutcome in the wagering game responsive to receipt of one or morewagering inputs from the at least one input device, obtain, using thewireless charging status determination system, one or more firstmeasurements indicative of the amount of electrical power supplied bythe power supply to the wireless charger, compare the one or more firstmeasurements indicative of the amount of electrical power supplied bythe power supply to the wireless charger against one or more thresholds,determine, based on the comparisons of the one or more firstmeasurements against the one or more thresholds, a charging status ofthe wireless charger, receive one or more inputs indicating that a userof the gaming system is engaging in an activity associated with alikelihood that the user is about to stop using the gaming system,obtain, responsive to receiving the one or more inputs, the chargingstatus of the wireless charger, determine if the obtained chargingstatus of the wireless charger indicates that the wirelessly chargeabledevice is proximate to the wireless charger, and generate a notificationfor presentation to the user and responsive to determining that thecharging status of the wireless charger indicates that the wirelesslychargeable device is proximate to the wireless charger, wherein thenotification is configured to remind the user of the wirelesslychargeable device.
 2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein: the one ormore inputs indicating that the user of the gaming system is engaging inthe activity associated with the likelihood that the user is about tostop using the gaming system are one or more inputs indicating that theuser is selecting an option to cash out credits from the gaming system,and the one or more controllers are further configured to: cause acash-out process to be performed, and cause the notification to bepresented to the user prior to completion of the cash-out process. 3.The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the one or more controllersincludes a gaming controller that is configured to cause the wageringgame to be presented on the one or more displays.
 4. The gaming systemof claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers are further configuredto: determine, based on one or more inputs, that a user of the gamingsystem is engaged in play of the wagering game on the gaming system, andcause the power supply to provide power to the wireless chargerresponsive to determining that the user of the gaming system is engagedin play of the wagering game on the gaming system.
 5. The gaming systemof claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers are further configuredto: receive one or more credit inputs; establish a credit balance forplay of the wagering game responsive to receiving the one or more creditinputs; and cause, responsive to establishment of the credit balance,the wireless charger to be supplied power from the power supplysufficient for the wireless charger to perform wireless charging.
 6. Amethod comprising: causing, via one or more controllers, a wagering gameto be presented on one or more displays of an electronic gaming system;obtaining, using a wireless charging status determination system, one ormore measurements indicative of an amount of electrical power suppliedby a power supply to a wireless charger of the electronic gaming system;comparing, by the wireless charging status determination system, the oneor more measurements indicative of the amount of electrical powersupplied by the power supply to the wireless charger against one or morethresholds; determining, by the wireless charging status determinationsystem and based on the comparison of the one or more measurementsagainst the one or more thresholds, a charging status of the wirelesscharger; receiving one or more inputs indicating that a user of theelectronic gaming system is engaging in an activity associated with alikelihood that the user is about to stop using the electronic gamingsystem; obtaining, by the one or more controllers and responsive toreceiving the one or more inputs, the charging status of the wirelesscharger; determining, by the one or more controllers, that the obtainedcharging status of the wireless charger indicates that a wirelesslychargeable device is proximate to the wireless charger; and generating anotification for presentation to the user and responsive to determiningthat the charging status of the wireless charger indicates that thewirelessly chargeable device is proximate to the wireless charger,wherein the notification is configured to remind the user of thewirelessly chargeable device.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein: the oneor more inputs indicating that the user of the gaming system is engagingin the activity associated with the likelihood that the user is about tostop using the gaming system are one or more inputs indicating that theuser is selecting an option to cash out credits from the electronicgaming system, and the method further comprises: causing the user to becashed out of the electronic gaming system, and causing, prior tocausing the user to be cashed out of the electronic gaming system andresponsive receiving the one or more inputs, the notification to bepresented to the user.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising:determining, based on one or more inputs, that a user of the electronicgaming system is engaged in play of the wagering game on the electronicgaming system, and causing the power supply to provide power to thewireless charger responsive to determining that the user of theelectronic gaming system is engaged in play of the wagering game on theelectronic gaming system.
 9. The method of claim 6, further comprising:receiving one or more credit inputs; establishing a credit balance forplay of the wagering game responsive to receiving the one or more creditinputs; and causing, responsive to establishment of the credit balance,the wireless charger to be supplied power from the power supplysufficient for the wireless charger to perform wireless charging. 10.The method of claim 6, wherein the determination of the charging statusof the wireless charger is performed without data communication betweenthe wireless charging status determination system and a) the wirelesscharger and b) a wirelessly chargeable device.
 11. The method of claim6, wherein the measurements indicative of the amount of electrical powersupplied by the power supply to the wireless charger are measurements ofelectrical current supplied to the wireless charger.
 12. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the one or more thresholds include one or more of: anupper steady-state level, a lower steady-state level, and a pinginglevel.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the pinging level isrepresentative of power supplied to the wireless charger while thewireless charger is searching for a nearby wirelessly chargeable device.14. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the wireless charging statusdetermination system is configured to determine the charging status ofthe wireless charger without data communication between itself and a)the wireless charger and b) the wirelessly chargeable device.
 15. Thegaming system of claim 1, wherein the one or more first measurementsindicative of the amount of electrical power supplied by the powersupply to the wireless charger are measurements of electrical currentsupplied to the wireless charger.
 16. The gaming system of claim 1,wherein the one or more first measurements indicative of the amount ofelectrical power supplied by the power supply to the wireless chargerare measurements of electrical current and electrical voltage suppliedto the wireless charger.
 17. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein theone or more thresholds include one or more of: an upper steady-statelevel, a lower steady-state level, and a pinging level.
 18. The gamingsystem of claim 17, wherein the upper steady-state level isrepresentative of power supplied to the wireless charger while chargingthe wirelessly chargeable device when the wirelessly chargeable deviceis not in a fully charged state.
 19. The gaming system of claim 17,wherein the lower steady-state level is representative of power suppliedto the wireless charger while charging the wirelessly chargeable devicewhen the wirelessly chargeable device is in a fully charged state oralmost fully charged state.
 20. The gaming system of claim 17, whereinthe pinging level is representative of power supplied to the wirelesscharger while the wireless charger is searching for a nearby wirelesslychargeable device.
 21. The method of claim 6, wherein the measurementsindicative of the amount of electrical power supplied by the powersupply to the wireless charger are measurements of electrical currentand electrical voltage supplied to the wireless charger.
 22. The methodof claim 12, wherein the upper steady-state level is representative ofpower supplied to the wireless charger while charging a wirelesslychargeable device when the wirelessly chargeable device is not in afully charged state.
 23. The method of claim 12, wherein the lowersteady-state level is representative of power supplied to the wirelesscharger while charging a wirelessly chargeable device when thewirelessly chargeable device is in a fully charged state or almost fullycharged state.